Just broke my bow string. It was a 14 strand B500 that I made.    
There was a slight and I mean very slight fraying on one of the
strands right about where it broke.
I had examined the string before my shooting session and it looked fine.
The string has made several hundred shots.
The arrow hit right with the rest of them, in a group of five.
The string apparently broke after the arrow was clear of the
string and the shelf, as there was no affect on the flight.
I examined the bow and cannot detect any damage.
The bow is a 60lb Bob Lee recurve.
This was my "practice string". I have another that is "professionally" made.

 
 

That's a strange place for a break, unless it had been nicked by something. Glad you and Bob came out unscathed.

I'm not a string maker, but it looks like a whole lot of twists in the body of the string - like the string was too long, but twisted up to fit the bow.  Too many twists can weaken the strands because of the lateral forces on the string instead of tension, where its strength is strongest.  Maybe others with string making experience can chime in here.

Judging from the braid it appears the string might have been a tad long for the recurve.. looks to be twisted up a mite more than usual...

Either a lightning strike or you inherited Odysseus' bow!

Quotebut it looks like a whole lot of twists in the body of the string - like the string was too long, but twisted up to fit the bow. Too many twists can weaken the strands because of the lateral forces on the string instead of tension

That was the response on TBH.
I didn't know any of that.
This was probably the second usable string I have made.
It will be a good lesson learned.  

Glad that you and your Bob Lee are all right.  You were lucky , I always inspect my bows and arrows before I shoot, Had a friend break  an arrow (carbon), cut his arm pretty deep.

Brute,
 Did you keep the string waxed good?  It looks like the color has faded like it may have been wet or out in the weather and just thinking the string fibers got weak from that and the extra twisting...b-50 in my years of making them just seems to fade quicker and if it got wet from rain or snow and not waxed good seems to soak up moisture..Just looks like it was wearing out around the loops and faded quite a bit...Keefer's <><

Like said it looks like the string has alot of twists in it.But hard to say when it is one color and it looks alittle dry.

There is always a chance that it was cut and you did not notice it. The string shows wear in the lower nock (smaller), and the twist count looks to be high.

Personally, I use 16 strand B50, and 1 twist in 1-1/2 to 2 inches, and have not had one break. When they start to fray in the nocks, I keep it as a spare until I get another.

I would recommend ordering a couple strings from one of the Sponsors that specialize in strings.

Just as long as the Bow didnt get Damaged     or Thump Yer Melon Real Hard!     A Tough Lesson indeed!!  

Quoteif it got wet from rain or snow and not waxed good seems to soak up moisture

The string has never been rained on. I'm sure I could have waxed it more, though.  

Two questions.

One what kind of nock point (if any) was on the string?

Two what kind of nocks were on your arrows?

Thanks!

God bless,Mudd

The string did not break because you made it broke from what looks like maybe it was cut or you need to go to a 16 strand string anyway keep making strings.

I may be wrong but it looks like it broke in about where it would be hitting your arm guard. Possibly from fraying against arm guard. I agree, too few strands for that poundage and too many twists.

QuoteOne what kind of nock point (if any) was on the string?

Two what kind of nocks were on your arrows?

The string didn't break at the nock point (see pics), but the nock point is dental floss and th nocks on the arrows are Easton Uninocks.

Well it happens! If you noticed fraying, it was probably nicked or abraded against something!

I disagree with those who say go to 15 or 16 strands for the weight! You would probably have too tight of arrow nocks! 14 is fine!

Try another and another, from the looks of your first, you will be making "custom quality strings" in no time! Just shorten up your length, an inch or so, and start twisting. If still to long, take one loop apart, and shorten some more! Keep note of measurements, and such.

Pay attention of how you hang the bow, and any contact that comes with the string when shootin. Just like checking your arrows after a hard hit.

Good twisting and shootin,
Steve

It could have been just bad luck, but the number of twists in that string jumped out at me as a pretty strong suspect.

I had one break on my MOAB a few months ago. I thought I had checked the string also. It scared the snot out of me when it let loose right as I released for the shot. Part of the string went one way. The other part went the other way and the arrow went about 3'. I'm glad the break didn't damage your bow. The MAOB was also fine.